Blackwell Football Player Released From Hospital After Battle With COVID-19

After spending nearly a month in the hospital battling COVID-19, a Kay County high school football player has been released.

Levi Barnett, 16, was hospitalized earlier this month at OU Children’s Hospital after testing positive for COVID-19.

Barnett attends Blackwell Senior High School in Blackwell, Oklahoma.

“It’s good to be home,” said Heather Lynn Barnett, Levi’s mom. “It’s been a long road and we are not done yet.”

Levi’s health deteriorated quickly in early September after the entire family, who are unvaccinated, got COVID-19.

Family said Levi will be a long hauler requiring home health, oxygen and physical therapy.

“His oxygen level still drops pretty low throughout the day, especially during physical activity and at night it drops real low,” said Barnett. “I’ve been up all night with him watching him throughout the night.

A local biker group helped escort Levi and family home. Others quickly joined in.

“Part of the football team was there and the managers, the schools,” said Barnett. “A lot of people from the community we didn’t even know. They (saw) us coming into town and the next thing I know pull in our driveway and the whole block is full of people.”

Family said they struggled to find an open ICU bed at the time and took a leap of faith by taking Levi to OU Children’s with hopes of him being admitted.

Related: Blackwell HS Football Player Hospitalized With COVID-19

Family said Levi’s battle with COVID has forever changed their outlook on life. They are looking forward to days ahead.

“It has definitely brought our family closer,” said Barnett. “It just makes you feel blessed for what you have and family over all is the most important.”

Barnett said plans are in the works for welcoming Levi home during Blackwell’s homecoming.